EDUCATION

Science on Seneca (SOS)

Students from Syracuse test water samples inside theWilliam Scandling research vessel.

Science on Seneca (SOS), an EPA-award-winning environmental education program, is a middle and high school educational outreach program of the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The goals of Science on Seneca are to provide students with an interesting experience in the collection, analysis and sharing of scientific data and to amass baseline data on Seneca Lake's major features. The Science on Seneca field trip experience provides students with an opportunity to conduct field-based data collection using state-of-the art equipment.

About Science on Seneca:

Science on Seneca enables regional science teachers to provide their students with an outdoor classroom experience on Seneca Lake using the William Scandling, Hobart and William Smith Colleges' 65-foot research vessel. Science on Seneca gives teachers the ability to demonstrate current methodologies that professional scientists use to monitor water quality to their students using the state of the art equipment on our unique floating classroom. The FLI staff is also constantly working with teachers to improve the experience of the SOS training and the applicability to the classroom through a number of hands on lessons, curricula, and resources.

How to Sign Up:

Teachers must first complete a day-long training session to familiarize themselves with the Science on Seneca Program as well as the facilities and equipment. The FLI hosts at least two training sessions annually, typically on Saturdays in the fall and in the spring. During the training, teachers take part in the full range of scientific tests and equipment available to them aboard the William Scandling. After the training teachers are eligible to bring students on the William Scandling for an exciting hands-on outdoor educational experience.